Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping Rates
Shipping within the U.S.A is $5.99 for orders under $45. First class shipping is 2-5 days within the U.S. (depending on location). FREE SHIPPING is applied to orders equal to or more than $45 . Priority shipping (1-3 days within the U.S. depending on location) is $10.99 for orders under $45, or $5.00 additional for orders over $45. If you wish to upgrade your shipping to Express, please contact us at info@thestencilsmith.com or 614-876-4350. Each rate will be different depending on the weight of your package and the destination.
Shipping to Canada is $24.99 USD for First Class International shipping on orders under $150.00 USD. Shipping times on International First Class vary greatly (7-21 days). FREE SHIPPING is applied on orders equal to or more than $150.00 USD. USPS Priority International shipping (6-10 days to Canada depending on location) is $47.99 for orders under $150 USD, or $25.00 additional for orders over $150 USD. *Customers are responsible for any taxes and duties that may occur in their area. We do not accept returns based on refusal of duties.
30 Day Guarantee
We are confident in the quality of our stencils and offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Our stencils are made from durable, high-quality material designed to withstand repeated use, and we take great care in ensuring each stencil is cut to perfection. If you experience any damage or defects in your stencil, please contact us within 30 days, and we will be happy to assist you with a replacement. Please note that we do not accept returns for incorrect sizes, as all stencils are custom cut to order. Be sure to carefully check your sizes before placing your order.
Return & Refund Policy
We take great pride in providing high-quality, cut to order stencils for our customers. Please read our return and refund policy carefully.
1. Wrong Size or Wrong Stencil Orders:
Due to the custom nature of our products, we do not typically accept returns or exchanges for wrong sizes or incorrect stencil orders. However, we understand that life happens, and mistakes can occur. Contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to discuss a possible solution.
2. Returns and Restocking Fees:
If we do accept a return for any reason, please note that there may be a 20% restocking fee. This fee helps cover the costs of processing the return and the custom nature of our stencils, as all of our products are cut to order.
3. Contact Us:
If you need assistance or have any questions regarding your order, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@thestenclsmith.com or call 614-876-4350. We’re here to help and will work with you to find the best possible solution.
Thank you for understanding!
How fast do we ship?
Each order is custom cut and shipped out within 1 to 2 business days (not including holidays and high order volume). We work with USPS to ship via First Class or Priority services. (USPS estimates First-Class delivery time of "2 to 7 days" and Priority Mail in "1 to 3 days"). The Stencilsmith is not responsible for any delays within the postal system.
Do you make custom stencils?
We do not make custom stencils (other than resizing our stock designs). However, we are always interested in hearing what you'd like to see in our store! Looking for a certain phrase? Want to see more of a certain style or theme? Please e-mail or call us with your ideas, suggestions or what you'd like to see more of in our store. We will do our best to try and incorporate it into our future designing! info@TheStencilsmith.com
Custom Sizing
We offer the ability to custom size most of our stencils. If you're looking to create a unique piece with specific dimensions, we're here to make it happen. Contact us at info@thestencilsmith.com or 614-876-4350 for details, and we'll be happy to set up a special order tailored to your exact needs. Let us help you bring your creative ideas to life with a custom sized stencil that's perfect for your project!
Cut To Order & Never Out of Stock
Our stencils are proudly made in the USA, right in America’s heartland of Ohio. We believe in keeping production local, so we don't outsource any of our work. Every stencil is custom cut to order, ensuring that we never run out of stock and can fulfill your needs without delay. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship means you’re getting a product made with care and precision, directly from our hands to yours.
What Size Stencil Should I Order?
Each stencil listing includes detailed size information just below the photo. Listed are the stencil sizes and actual image sizes. If you don’t find a size that works for you, feel free to contact us, and we’ll help you get the perfect size for your needs.
Which Stencil Material Should I Choose?
Our 10mil Hazy White is our most popular option, known for its exceptional durability and versatility for all projects with all painting techniques.
Some artists prefer the 7mil Clear Blue because it's slightly thinner, making it ideal for pouncing or rolling. This clear material is liked for multi-layer stenciling, allowing you to see each layer as you work. Despite being thinner, the 7mil is still durable when cared for properly.
Are Your Stencils Easy to Use?
Our stencils are designed for effortless use, making it easy for anyone to create stunning artwork, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist. Simply tape it down, paint over it, and lift it off to reveal a masterpiece. You can use the stencil as a foundation to add your own flaire and finishing touches!
Reusable
Our high-quality Mylar stencils are perfect for use with brushes, rollers, sponges, and any type of paint. Designed for easy applications, they do not require special paints or pastes. Our stencils are non-adhesive backed, can be washed and reused countless times. Ideal for a wide range of painting projects, they deliver consistent results and long-lasting performance.
How To Prevent Bleeding
When stenciling, less paint is key! To avoid paint bleeding under your stencil, we suggest using a dry brush technique. Begin by loading your brush with paint, then offload the excess by swirling the brush on a paper towel or shop towel. The brush should be slightly damp, not soaked. Make several light, swirling passes, letting each layer dry before applying the next. We recommend practicing on a scrap surface first to get the hang of it. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or watch our Stenciling 101 video or check out our How To Stencil information page.
What Kind of Paint Can I Use?
You can use any type of paint with our stencils! While acrylic paint is the most common choice, most water-based paints, such as chalk paint, latex paint, and furniture paint, work wonderfully too. Quality counts, for best results we recommend using paints that are thicker and more opaque.
How Do I Clean My Stencil?
We recommend cleaning your stencils with mild soap and warm water. For thicker layers of dried paint, you can spray or soak the stencil in a shallow tub with household cleaner. Heavier paint buildup may require extra time in the cleaner solution. After soaking, place the dirty stencil on a flat surface, such as an old baking sheet, and use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining paint. Using a flat surface while you gently scrub will minimize the risk of damaging your stencil. Once all the paint is removed, rinse thoroughly and either hang or pat dry.
How Should I Store My Stencils?
We recommend storing your stencils flat. You can use binders, photo albums, or artist portfolio cases. Alternatively, you can hang them in a closet or organizer using boot clips. This is a great option for larger stencils.
Are These Stencils Versatile?
Whatever surface you can imagine, our stencils are ready to help you transform it into a work of art! Our premium reusable stencils are incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, fabric, walls, furniture, metal, and more! Made from durable mylar polyester film, they can withstand countless uses, ensuring that your creative possibilities are endless.
Need Inspiration?
Our stencils are designed to inspire and kick-start your creativity, offering over 10,000 design options to choose from! With such a vast selection, you're sure to find the perfect stencil for any project, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out. And the best part? We add new designs almost daily, so there's always fresh inspiration to spark your next creative idea. With our extensive collection, the possibilities are endless—your imagination is the only limit! Check out our Amazing Customer Gallery and see what others have done with our quality stencils.
Do You Take Design Requests?
We love hearing from our customers and value your input! If there's a specific theme, phrase or idea you'd like to see in our store, we welcome your suggestions and requests. We're always open to creating new designs that cater to your creative needs. Feel free to reach out and share your ideas with us—we're constantly expanding our collection and would love to bring your vision to life!